A few pounds of mahogany, maple and rosewood; some metal and plastic bits; a handful of simple electronic parts; a couple of ounces of nitrocellulose finish; several feet of steel wire. There are quite a few gizmos a clever, capable craftsman could bring to life with these basic materials. In the late 1950s, two groups of particularly accomplished artisans—one at Fender Musical … [Read more...] about Rumble Seat Music
It’s Always Sunny in Carmel Valley
There’s a buzz in Carmel Valley. Not too many years ago, that buzz would probably have emanated from the flies hovering around the horses on one of the Valley’s numerous working ranches. Now, in the early years of the twenty-first century, that sound is the vibrant hum of commerce, the buzz of business, the happy hum of people having fun. And it is a happy place; a place of … [Read more...] about It’s Always Sunny in Carmel Valley
Steinbeck’s Legendary Friend
A bronze bust rests on a pedestal at the corner of Drake and Wave Streets next to the Monterey Bay Recreational Trail. It depicts a pleasant, studious looking man. A magnifying loupe hangs around his neck, a pen is clipped to his opencollared shirt; he holds a sea star in his hand. More often than not, the star is joined by a sprig of flowers some passerby has placed there. … [Read more...] about Steinbeck’s Legendary Friend
Bringing Carmel History to Life
The multitudes that have hiked its meandering miles of trails and have reveled in its gorgeous vistas of sea, land and mountain will tell you: Point Lobos is the crown jewel of the California State Parks system. And those who’ve been lucky enough to accompany Monica Hudson on a tour of this scenic wonder will attest: she is truly a gem of the Monterey Peninsula. Hudson is … [Read more...] about Bringing Carmel History to Life
Boys and Their Toys
We typically don't pay much attention to self-storage places. Their invisibility is compounded by locations in out-of-the-way commercial zones. Though many of us have occasion to rent a space from time to time—perhaps for temporary storage of household goods—for the most part they go ignored. Aside from the frenzy displayed by those rabid resellers who bid on the contents of … [Read more...] about Boys and Their Toys